Watchdog warns broadband speeds are much slower than advertised

Advertised "up to" speeds are often much quicker than the actual connection speeds which many householders end up with, the Ofcom Consumer Panel said.

Research earlier this year found that customers who had signed up for speeds advertised as up to eight megabits a second were often getting something only as third as fast.

It is calling for a mandatory code of practice to make internet firms provide clearer information.

Customers should have the right to switch to a different deal or opt out of their contracts penalty-free if their actual broadband speed is significantly lower than that advertised, the Consumer Panel said.

Internet service providers should provide clear, upfront information to householders about factors which can affect line speed.

And they should contact customers a fortnight after installation to tell them their actual broadband speed, the Panel said.

Advertising Standards Authority were also being urged to look into how companies advertise their broadband speeds and called on them to explain more fully to customers why they can vary.

Ofcom Consumer Panel chair Colette Bowe has written to communications regulator Ofcom calling for a mandatory code of practice.

"This code would establish agreed processes to give the customer the best information during and after the sales process, and to give them flexibility to move freely to different packages that reflect the actual speeds with which their ISPs are able to provide them," she said.

The Consumer Panel also wants the advertising of broadband speeds to be tightened up.

The independent Panel was set up to advise Ofcom about consumer issues in the communications sector.